Loose leaf shift binder



Oct. 25, 1938.

w,E..HAsK|N 2,134,122 LoosE LEAF SHIFT BINDER FiledFeb. 28, 195e 5 snets-sneet 1 ATTO??? Oct. 25, 1938. W E HASKlN LOOSE LEAF SHIFT BINDER 28, 1955 5 Sheets-sheet 2 Filed Feb INVENTOR W61/ Zef msz/z BY wwwa m ATTORNEYS WITNESSES Oct. 25, 1938. w. E. HAs'KlN LOOSE LEAF SHIFT BINDER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 2s, 195s OC- 25, i938- w. E. HAsKlN LoosE LEAF SHIFT BINDER Filed Feb. 28, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 lNvENToR W//fer'/.SUZ BY @www @MWF AT'roRNEYs S E S S E N W w Oct. 25, 1938. W E HASK|N LoosE LEAF SHIFT BINDER 5 Smets-sheet 5 Filed Feb. 28, 1936 lNvENToR Wfl' gaaf A-rToRN Y WITNESSES Patented Oct. 25, 1938 UNITED STATES eArENT orifice LOOSE LEAF SHIFT BINDER New York Application February 28, 1936, Serial No. 66,170

22 Claims.

This invention relates to a loose leaf binder and particularly to an improved loose leaf shift binder adapted to be made in various sizes and constructed to receive perforated leaves of the full size of the binder or leaves of less size than the binder, or a combination of different sized leaves.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved loose leaf shift binder wherein one or more leaves may be shifted longitudinally of the binder the distance of one hole or the distance of a plurality of holes without removal from the binder.

A further object of the invention is to provide a loose leaf shift binder wherein the leaves, without removal, may be shifted back and forth a distance equal to the distance between one or more holes in the leaves, obviating the necessity of breaking the back of thel binder at the longitudinal center line or otherwise so that the back always lies fiat throughout the operation.

An additional object, moreV specifically, is to provide a loose leaf shift binder of the fullyoverlapping arcuate prong type, the structure being so formed that the prongs may be readily separated laterally and longitudinally by irnproved mechanical means wherein the element of constant control of the movement of the prongs and the accurate spacing thereof for purposes of shifting or changing the leaves without spilling or tearing of same is of paramount importance.

In the accompanying drawings:-

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a loose leaf shift binder disclosing an embodiment of the invention, part of the side covers and the inserted leaves being broken away and showing the respective sets 'of prongs in their fully-closed relation.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, b-ut showing the prongs in a partly open position and showing the operating lever and respective sets of prongs shifted one notch, or the distance between centers of two consecutive holes in the margin of the leaves, with dotted lines indicating the operating lever and respective sets of prongs shifted two notches, or the equivalent of twice the distance between centers of two consecutive holes in the margin of the leaves.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view through Figure 1 approximately on the line 3--3.

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view through Figure 3 approximately on the line 44.

Figure 5 is a view in transverse section similar to Figure 4, but showing the respective sets of prongs in a partially open position.

. Figure Gis a bottom plan view of the binder with the `back removed and the parts shown in the same position as illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure -7 is a view similar to Figure 6 showing the parts inthe same position as illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 8 is a viewin transverse section on the line 8-8 of Figure 3, but showing the respective sets of prongs in their fully open position.

Figure 9 is a perspective View of a left hand earn plate with a series of prongs mounted thereon and the side cover hingedly attache-d thereto partly broken away.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of one end of the skeleton framework embodying certain features of the invention.

Figure 1l is a fragmentary elevation of the interlocking hinge by which the side covers are attached to the cam plates.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of one end of the skeleton framework embodying certain modiiications of the invention and showing the locking bar in its fully closed and locked position.

Figure 13 is a horizontal sectional view through Figure 12'on the vline l3-l3.

Figure Alll is a view similar to Figure 13 but showing the operating lever and locking bar in ashift position. Y

Figure l5 vis a perspective view of the locking bar.

Referring to the accompanying drawings by numerals, l indicates a rigid back of any desired kind, as for instance a metal channelshaped member either covered with leather or other suitable material or left bare. This back is provided with stiffening flanges 2.

Mounted inside the channel-shaped base I and securely attached thereto is a skeleton framework comprising the following partst-At each end thereof are positioned substantially U shaped pedestals 3 and 3 provided with two upward projecting legs, the outer leg being longer Both pedestals are formed edges of the outer legs of the pedestals 3 and 3' as shown in Figures 3 and 10. On the longitudinal center line of this cover plate and near each end thereof are positioned longitudinal slots II and I2 and an intermediate round aperture I3. The cover plate is also provided with two smaller longitudinal arc-shaped slots I4 and I4 positioned near the side edges thereof. A flat base plate I5 formed with upward projecting flanged edges is mounted on the upper edges of the inner legs of the pedestals 3 and 3 as shown in Figures 3 and 10. On the longitudinal center line of plate I5 are positioned longitudinal slots II and I2' and an intermediate round aperture I3' identical with and arranged directly below slots II, I2 and aperture I3 respectively in the cover plate. Base plate I 5 is alsov provided on its under surface with an extruded pin 49.

Arranged between the cover plate 8 and base plate I5 are the left and right angle or cam plates I6 and I1. The left cam plate I6 isformed with an arched surface merging at the left side into an upwardly projecting flange I8 terminating in self-formed interlocking type hingeY knuckles I9 and is provided at each end with downwardly extending triangular-shaped leg extensions 20 at the apexes of which are positioned round apertures 2| and the forward leg extension only being further provided with a curved slot 22 as illustrated clearly in Figure 9. Positioned one adjacent each end of the arched surface of the cam plate are two exactly similar diagonal cam slots 23 terminating at one extremity in the reverse extensions 24, and intermediate the said cam slots are positioned the approximately T- shaped guide slot 25, a transverse shift slot 26 and the clearance notch 21, as clearly shown in Figure 9. Mounted on the flange I8 is a prong plate 28 carrying a series of equally spaced arcuate prongs 29 upon which are impaled the leaves 30 with equally spacedmarginal perforations 3|, the said prongs being spaced on centers equal to four times the distance between centers of the said perforations.

'I'he right cam plate I1 is substantially a counter part of the left cam plate I6, except that it is positioned in a telescoping arrangement inside of cam plate I6, as shown in Figure 3. The right cam plate I1 is likewise formed with an arched surface merging at the opposite or right side into an upwardly projecting flange I8' terminating in similar hinge knuckles I9 and provided at each end with similar triangular leg extensions 20' with apertures 2I positioned at the apexes thereof and the forward leg only being further provided with a curved slot 22 but which legs are spaced closer together than and enabled to be reciprocated inside the legs 20 of the left cam plate I6. Similar diagonal cam slots 23' and extensions 24', guide slot 25', transverse shift slot 26 and clearance notch 21 are provided in the arched surface of cam plate I1. An exactly similar prong plate 28 carrying a series of equally spaced arcuate prongs 29 is mounted on the flange I8 but staggered with relation to the opposing set of prongs 29 a distance equal to tHe distance between centers of two consecutive perforations in the leaves, as indicated in Figure 1 of the drawings.

Projecting through the apertures 1 and 1' in the pedestals 3 and 3 and the similar apertures 2I and 2| inthe triangularrleg extensions of the respective cam plates I6 and I1 are positioned the round fulcrum pins 32 and 32'. It is t0 be particularly pointed out that the said fulcrum pins` the unit.

are positioned at the center of the radius of curvature of the arcuate prongs 28 and 29', cover plate 8, the arched surfaces of the respective cam plates I6 and I1 and the curved slots 22 and 22 as is indicated by Figures 4, 5 and 8 of the drawings. By reason of this concentric pivotal mounting the respective sets of prongs are enabled to be moved toward or away from each other both laterally and longitudinally in constant alignment and with perfect registration with respect to the perforations in the leaves.

For the purpose of actuating and controlling the movement of the respective sets of prongs toward or away from each other laterally, are provided the actuating pins 33 and 33 projecting through the longitudinal slots II and I2 in the cover plate 8, the diagonal cam slots 23 and 23 in the cam plates I6 and I1 and the longitudinal slots II' and I 2' in the base plate I5, all of the respective slots being in proper alignment to receive the said actuating pins, as clearly indicated in Figures 3 and 8 of the drawings. As illustrated particularly in Figure 3, these pins are connected by a connecting link 34 which is in the nature of a channel, as shown in Figure 8, with apertured ears 35 .and 35 accommodating the respective pins 33 and 33'. By reason of this link, both pins must move exactly the same distance and in the same direction at the same time, constituting what may be termed a reciprocating slideY comprising the said actuating pins 33 and 33 and the connecting link 34, the range of travel being limited by the longitudinal slots II and I2. By reason of the divergent angularity of the cam slots in the cam plates I6 and- I1, the respective sets of prongs carried thereby are caused to move laterally toward and from each other by a corresponding longitudinal movement of the said reciprocating slide. The lateral movement of the respective telescopic cam plates by the actuating pins is simultaneous and in opposite directions relative to each other and of substantially equal distance relative to the longitudinal center line of The pivotal arrangement of the leg extensions of the cam plates, together with the cam action of the angular slots, cooperate to cause the cam plates to move easily and freely back and forth during the manipulation of the device and to maintain the respective sets of prongs rigidly in alignment so that the turning of the leaves impaled thereon from side to side can be done smoothly.

For the purpose of actuating and controlling the movement of the respective sets of prongs toward or from each other longitudinally of the unit, a shift lever 36 is provided. This lever is pivotally mounted on the extruded pin 4'9 on the under surface of the base plate I5. The lever 36 is in effect triangular shaped constituting what may be termed a T-lever and carries pins 31 and 31 which extend upwardly through the transverse shift slots 26 and 26' in the cam plates I6 and I1 respectively and through the arc-shaped slots I4 and I4' in the cover plate 8. The clearance notches 21 and 21' are provided to prevent interference of tle edges of the respective cam plates with the shift pins 31 and 31 when in the fully-closed position shown in Figure 6 of the drawings. 'Ihe actuation of the T-lever causes the simultaneous longitudinal movement of the respective cam plates I6 and l1 an exactly equal distance in opposite directions.

For the purpose of manually actuating the reciprocating slide and the T-lever, the L J-shaped member 38 is provided which is formed with legs of unequal length swingably mounted or pivoted on the actuating pin 33, as illustrated in Figure 3, and in the performance of its two functionsin operating the device it constitutes what may be termed a swingable operating member, By reason of its connection with therec'iproca'ting slide,

through the actuating pin 33, it forms a part of a sliding system and acts therein asv the pusher or tractor of the said reciprocating slide. The lower and longer leg of the member 38 is provided with a longitudinal slot 39 terminating at one end in an enlargement 46. The T-lever 36 also carries a pin (il e which loosely extends through the slot 39 and, by reason of this sliding connection, the T-lever 36 and the swingable operating member 38 form a compound lever systern, whereby,Y when the member 38 acting in this instance as a lever, is swung on its pivot, it will actuate theT-lever accordingly. v Concerningthe enlargement 4!) inthe slot 39, this is particularly providedin order thatthehead ofV pin 4I in the assemblage of parts may pass'l therethrough, so that the pin may be Ymaintained in engagement with the slot throughout the sliding movement.

In the operationof actuating the reciprocating slide to move the respective sets of prongs toward or away from each other transversely of the back, the swingable operating member 38 is preferably designed to be advanced or retracted with its longitudinal center line coinciding with the longitudinal center line of the cover plate as shown in Figures l and 6. Thelooped end is prevented from movement to the left. of the said center line of the cover plate in Figure l by reason of the pin 4I of the T-lev-er projecting through slot 39 and which pin is prevented from movement to the right of the said center line of the cover plate by the lever pins 3l and 3l' reaching the limit of their movement in the slots I d and I4 in the cover plate, and lateral movement is further limited by the transverse slot 6 in the outer leg of pedestal 3 through which the lower leg of member 38 passes. The looped end of the swingable operating member is thus confined to movement only to the right of the longitudinal center line of the cover plate, and the range of this latter movement is controlled and limited by the transverse slot 6 coacting with a notch i2 merging into an oiset notch i3 properly positioned in the lower leg of the said operating member and acting as a two-step guide, as shown in Figures 6 and '7. Movement of the looped end of the swingable operating membert to the right of the longitudinal center line of the cover plate is for the purpose of actuating the T-lever to move the prongs to the shift positions. For instance, when it is desired to thus shift the cam plates, the parts are moved substantially to the position shown in Figures 2, 5 and 7. When the swingable operating member 38 is swung to the right. such lateral movement is limited by the notch i2 contacting the end cf the transverse slot 6. This movement 'will actuate the T-lever to shift the cam plates sufiiciently to cause the prongs 29 and 29' to move one step in opposite directions longitudinally of the back, or a total combined distance equal to the distance between centers of the perforations 3l in the leaves 3d. which may be termed the single shift position. as illustrated bv the solid lines in Figure 2. If it should be desired to further move the prongs so as to shift the same two steps, the swingable operating member 38 is pulled longitudinally from the single shift position above described and then swung further to the right until the notch i3 contacts the end of'` the transverse slot 6. This movement will actuate the T-l`ever to shift the cam plates sunlciently to cause the prongs to move two steps in opposite directions longitudinally of the back, or a totalv combined. distance yequal to twice the distance between centers of the perforations in the leaves, which may be termed the double shift positions, as illustrated by the dotted lines in Figure 2.

Itis to be especially noted that by reason of the telescopic arrangement of the left and right cam plates and their respective leg extensions, and particularly by reason of the spacing between the leg extensions of the left cam plate being greater than the spacing between those of the right cam plate, the latter is'enabled to be reciprocated along the fulcrum pins 32 and 32 inside the left cam plate leg extensions in the operation of shiftingthe respective sets of prongs longitudinally. Likewise the leg extensions of theleft cam plate are properly spaced to enable them to be reciprocated along the fulcrum pins inside the outer legs of the pedestals 3 and 3.

ltl is to be noted that in the normally closed position of the binder,'the respective sets of the arcuate prongs are fully overlapping, as shown in Figures l and 4, that is, the prongs 29 mounted on prong plate 26 extend fully across the cover plate to the opposite prong plate 28', and vice versa. When the parts have been moved to the single or double shift position, the respective sets of prongs are only partly overlapping, as shown in Figures 2 and 5. For the purpose of separating the respective sets of prongs sufciently to create a gap between them for the insertion or removal of leaves, as shown in Figure, the swingable operating member 3S is pulled outwardly, causing the reciprocating slide to reach the limit of its corresponding movement in the longitudinal slots I l and I2, the Obliquity and length of the diagonal camY slots 23 and 23 being such as to accomplish the reeuired movement of the cam plates.

For the purpose of locking the cam plates in the fully closed position shown in Figures l and 4, the cam slot extensions 24 and 24' are provided. When the swingable operating member 38 is pushed inwardly, causing the reciprocating slide to reach the limit ofl its corresponding movement inthe longitudinal slots Il and I2, the reverse Obliquity of the respective cam slot extensions 24 an-d 2li' will then act to rmly hold the actuating` pins 33 and 33 against accidental movement.

For the purpose of preventing end thrust of the camplates, except when desired at the shift positions, the xed ,cam plate guiding pin 4A is projected through the round apertures I3 and I3 in the cover plate 8 and the base plate I5 respectively and passing through the T-shaped guide slots 25` and 25 in the cam plates I6 and II respectively. The legs of the respective T- shaped slots extend in opposite directions and are parallel with the corresponding diagonal cam slots. This arrangement permits the cam plates to moveV freely back and forth laterally as desired but the longitudinal movement thereof to shift the various prongs 29 and 29 is only possible when the guiding pin 44 is opposite the openings or legs of the respective T-slots or in what may be termed the shift position. It will be seen that the guiding pin M thus acts to prevent end thrust of the cam plates in the closed position shown in Figurel 6 and at all other times except the shift positions shown in Figure '7.

Positioned in engagement with the hinge knuckles I9 and I9 on the upper edge of the Iianges I8 and I8' of the cam plates I6 and I1 are the hinge leaves 45 and 45 carrying the complementary hinge knuckles 46 and 46 pivotally mounted onhinge pins 41 and 41'. Attached to the respective hinge leaves are the side covers 48and 48 which may be made of any suitable material such as, for example, canvas bakelite. It is to be pointed out that the respective sets of hinge knuckles are formed with notched extremities, as particularly illustrated in Figure ll, and form what may be termed interlocking hinges. The notches are so disposed as to limit the swinging movement of the side covers and are particularlyadapted to permit the side covers to `be laid open while the prongs are in' their fully closed or open relation, as in Figures 4 and 5, but to limit the reverse or closing movement of the side covers to a plane parallel to the plane of the flanges I8 and I8' of the cam plates as in Figure 8. This arrangement enables the binder to be closed from a fully open position of the prongs as in Figure 8, or any intermediate position such as Figure by lifting the side covers. By reason of this interlocking feature the cam plates are actuated by the upward movement of the side covers and their respective diagonal cam slots exert a pressure on the actuating pins 33 and 33 to move them accordingly thereby causing the sliding system to follow the movement of the pins to a closed position ofthe binder. It is to be noted that when the parts are arranged for the shift position the actual shifting of the prongs may be accomplished by movement of the side -covers `in opposite directions longitudinally of the back. While the lateral movement of the prongs from a fully closed to a partly open or full open position is preferably accomplished by the manipulation of the swingable operating member 38, it is obvious that the operation of closing the prongs laterally or shifting the same longitudinally may be accomplished either by manipulation of the operating member 38 or the side covers 48 and 48 at the choice of the operator.

It is to be especially pointed out that the movement of the respective cam plates and the prongs mounted thereon is always simultaneous and in opposite directions; that they are constantly maintained in their relative lateral and longitudinal positions against accidental movement of one cam plate independently of the other; that the two longitudinal movements of the said cam plates can only occur at one iixed, partly open position at which time the points of the opposing sets of prongs are still overlapping suiiiciently to prevent accidental spilling of the leaves in turning the same from side to side and that the respective opposing sets of prongs being formed to the same radius and having a common fulcrum at the center of the radius of curvature are thereby maintained rigidly in alignment to insure proper registration of the prong points with the perforations in the leaves.

The said prongs are thus mounted in a straight line on the respective cam plates. They are arcuate in form, arranged to lie in parallel Vertical planes transversely of the back, and grouped in two opposing sets of equal number, the said sets cooperating to receive and impale leaves the margins of which are uniformly perforated at regular intervals. The prongs of each respective set are permanently spaced apart at regular intervals equal to a multiple of the distance between centers of any two consecutive perforations in the leaves and which may, for example, be equal to four times the said distance. The points or free ends of the said prongs overlap the longitudinal center line of the unit in the fully closed and shift positions shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, but not in the fully opened position shown in Figure 8, the said points in this instance having been separated sufliciently to create a gap for the reception and removal of-leaves. The prongs of one set are staggered with respect to those of the opposing set and arranged to be reciprocated longitudinally of the pedestals in the spaces between the latter prongs. In their staggered arrangement and while in their normal or what may be termed non-shift relationship as shown in lFigures 1 and 4, as contrasted with their single and double shift positions as shown in Figure 2, each individual prong of one set is positioned in the space between the two immediately opposite consecutive prongs of the other set nearer one of the two than the other and at a point equal to one fourth the distance between them, the said distance being the equivalent of the distance between centers of any two consecutive perforations in the leaves. The respective individual prong members of one set in conjunction with the corresponding individual prong members of the other set form a series of pairs of adjacent overlapping prongs cooperating to form a plurality of arches on which leaves impaled thereon may be turned from one set of prongs to the other. The distance between the two individual prong members forming each of the said arches, while in their non-shift relationship shown in Figure 1, establishes what may be termed their normal lateral spacing.

Referring to Figure 1, it will be seen that in the normal or non-shift position of the respective sets of prongs, a series of every fourth perforation in the leaves impaled upon the set of prongs 29 coincides and registers with the said set, and, as the said leaves are turned to the opposite set of prongs 29, a second series of every fourth perforation next adjacent to the iirst mentioned series, coincides and registers with the said set of prongs 29. By reason of the means for reciprocating the prongs of one set in the spa'ces between the prongs of the opposing set, the distance or lateral spacing betwen the two members of each of the said arches may be increased from that of the normal or non-shift relationship. When the respective sets of prongs are moved to the single shift position, as shown in Figure 2, the said lateralspacing is increased to exactly twice that of the normal or non-shift position, or the equivalent of twice the distance between centers of any two consecutive perforations in the leaves whereby, when the leaves impaled upon the vset of prongs 29 are turned to the opposite set 29, a third series of every fourth perforation in the leaves, next in order to the last above mentioned, coincides and registers with the set of prongs 29. When the respective sets of prongs are moved to the double shift position as shown by the dotted lines in Figure 2, the said lateral spacing is increased to exactly three times that of normal, or the equivalent of three times the distance between centers of the said perforations whereby a fourth progressive series of the said fourth perforations coincides and registers with the set of prongs 29 when the said leavesare turned from prongs 29'. In the fully opened position of the respective sets of prongs, as in Figure 8, the said lateral spacing between the two adjacent members of any adjacent arches is exactly the same as that of normal.

Inthe operation of the binder the leaves are placed on the respective prongs 29' starting from the bottom and are overlapped as shown in Figure 1 with the lower name bearing marginexposed. The leaves are preferably designed to be of a size to include multiples of four and a minimum of eight marginal perforations `equally spaced and the prongs of each respective set are spaced on 'centers equal to four times the distance between centers of the said perforations so that each leaf will at all times be held in place by .at least two prongs in the case of eight perforations and three prongs in the case of twelve perforations.

The opposed sets of prongs are .equally spaced and the two sets of prongs are offset with relation to each other exactly thedistance between .centers of the said perforations. The leaves are preferably provided with a marginal space at the lower right hand corner of the face and the upper left hand corner of the back thereof for inserting the name of the account or other index .of the record therein contained.

If, for example, the leaves bear the names of accounts arranged in alphabetical order and it is desired to enter anew account in its proper place, all the leaves of the section or page are rst turned by hand from prongs 29 to register on the opposite set of prongs 29 and the swingable operating member 38 is then manually actuated to arrange the parts for a single shift position as shown in Figure 2, the notch 42 controlling and limiting the movement of the prongs. All the leaves below the point at which it is desired to insert the new leaf are then swung back to prongs 29 and the swingable operating member 38 returned to a position along the longitudinal center line of the unit whereby a space is created for the insertion of the new account. The swingable operating member 38 is then extended to the full open position of the prongs, Aas illustrated in Figure 8, and the new leaf inserted on prongs 29 in the space thus provided. The swingable operating member 38 is then restored to its fully closed position, as in Figures 1 and 4, and the operation is complete.

If it is desired to remove a leaf and insert a new one in its place, the leaves above the point of change are swung from prongs 29 to prongs 29 while the leaf to be removed and all those below it remain on prongs 29. The swingable operating member 38 is then actuated to the full open position of the prongs as in Figure 8 and the change effected.

If Vit is desired to remove a single leaf and close in the gap, the leaves above the removal point are swung to prongs 29, the balance remaining on prongs 29', and the swingable operating member 38 is actuated to the full open position of the prongs as in Figure 8 and the leaf removed. The swingable operating member 38 is then actuated to the single 'shift position, Figure 2, and the leaves remaining on prongs 29' are turned to prongs 29. The swingable operating member 38 is then restored to its normal closed position, Figure 1.

If it is desired to remove two adjacent leaves and close in the gap, the same procedure is followed except that the double shift notch 43 is used instead of the single shift notch 42.

In the modification illustrated in Figures 12 to 15 inclusive, a substantially T-shaped swingable catch member or locking bar 5G is employed for the purpose of providing a positive stop at the shift positions, shown in Figures 2, 5 and 7, in the operation of separating 4the respective sets of prongs laterally and for the further purpose of providing a means of lockingv the said prongs in their fully closed relation, shown in Figures 1, 4 and 6, against` accidental movement.

The member is lpreferably formed as anoflset bar each section thereof being substantially the same `width as the swingable operating. mem- 'ber 33 and the transverse slot 5 through which both members pass and is provided with a round aperture 5| at its inner end, a primary offset step 52 merging into asecondary step 5 3 at one :side and an oblique offset 54 at the opposite side positioned at the junction of the offset sections in proper relation to the notches 42 and 43 in the said operating member 38, and a locking notch `55 near the opposite end, the said bar merging into a transverse looped extension 5.3 at its outer end as clearly shown in Figure 15.

The member 50 lis positioned between the lower leg of the operating member 38 and the base plate I5 being swingably mounted at its aperture 5I on the actuating pin 33 and arranged to pass through the transverse slots 6 and 6 in the inner` and outer legs of pedestal 3 and `the curved slots 22 and 22 in the leg .extensions 42i) and 20 of the vcam plates. The end eXtension 56 is positioned outside the outer leg of pedestal 3 for convenient manual movement laterally with the loop thereof encircling the lower leg of the operating member 38e-nd arranged to permit independent lateral movement of the latter, as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14. By reason of its .connection with the sliding system through the actuating pin 33, the longitudinal movement of the member 50 is identical therewith.

Referring toFigures 12 and 13 the swingable catch member 50 is shown in its fully closed and locked position, the sliding system having been pushedinwardly to the limit of its movement thereby actuating the respective sets of prongs to their fully closed relation as in Figure 4 and the looped end extension 55 having been swung laterally to the right so that the end wall of the transverse slot :6 has entered the locking notch 55 whereby the sliding system is prevented from accidental outwardalongitudinal movement.y

For the purpose of .actuating the cam plates to separate the respective sets of prongsv laterally from their closed relation as in Figure 4 to their partly open or shift positions as in Figure 5, the looped end extension v56 is manually swung to the left whereby the locking notch 55 is disengaged from the end wall of the transverse slot 6 so that the stern of the member 58 is properly aligned for longitudinal movement through the said slot. `Thereupon the sliding system is advanced llongitudinally outward either by the manual actuation of the operating member 38 or by the manual separation of the respective sets of prongs, at the choice of the operator, ,until the primary oifset step 52 contacts the inner .surface of the outer leg of the pedestal .3 ,andarrests furthe-r movement-of the parts at .the single shift position as clearly shown in Figure 14. The

primary notch 42 in .the lower leg .of the swingable operating member 38 is thus properly positioned to permit of sufficient independent lateral movement of 4the latter to accomplish the single shi-ft operation .previously described.

In order to arrange -the parts for the double shift operation, the looped end .extension ,55 'is manually actuated from the position shown in Figure 14 Ain the direction indicated by the arof the stem permitting of such lateral movement, so that when the swingable operating member 38 is actuated to advance the sliding system still' further longitudinally in the direction indicated by the. arrow B, the secondary step 53 in turn contacts the inner surfacev of the outer leg of pedestal 3 and arrests further movement of the parts at the double shift position. The secondary notch 43 is thus properly positioned to permit of sufficient independent lateral movement ofthe member 38 to accomplish the double shift operation previously described.

If it is now desired 'to arrange the parts to the fully open relation of the prongs shown in Figure 8, the .looped end extension 56 is manually actuated in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 14 sufficiently to disengage the secondary step 53 and the sliding system advanced longitudinally in the direction of the arrow B to the limit of its movement.

In the operationV of restoring the respective sets of prongs from their fully open relation last above described or from their shift positions to their fully closed relation, thesliding system is retracted longitudinally in the opposite direction to that indicated by the arrow B and by reason of the oblique oifset 54 contacting the end wall of the transverse slot6 in passing, the swingable catch member 50 will be swung thereby in the opposite direction to that indicated by the arrow A whereby the offset step 52 is automatically restored to a position to arrest the outward movement of the sliding system at the single shift position in the next successive operation of separating the prongs.

While I have illustrated and described what I believe to bethe preferred embodiment of my invention, it is obvious that changes may be made in the general form and arrangements of the parts Without departing from the spirit of the invention;A hence I do not limit myself to the specific details set forth but consider myself at liberty to make such changes and alterationsvasfairly fall withinfthe scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. A loose leaf binder, including a rigid back, a xed pivot carried by said back, a pair of concentric arcuate cam plates mounted at their common centers on said pivot, curved prongs operatively connected to the cam plates and concentric therewith, and means for moving the cam plates and prongs relative to each other.

2. A loose leaf shift binder, including'a rigid back, a fixed pivot carried by said back, a pair of concentric arcuate cam plates longitudinally slidably mounted at their common centers Von said pivot, curved prongs operatively connected to the cam plates and concentric therewith, and means for moving the cam plates and prongs relative to each other both longitudinally and transversely.

3. A loose leaf binder including a rigid back, a base plate carried by said back, an arcuate cover plate carried by said back, a xed pivot carried by said back, a pair o1"l concentricarcuate' cam plates arranged between the base plate and cover plate and mounted at their common centers on said pivot, a set of arcuate prongs carried by each of said cam plates and concentric therewith, said prongs extending transversely of the back,V said cam plates each having an inclined slot at each end, actuating pins extending through said slots, said base plate and said cover plate each having a slot adjacent each end through which said respective actuating pins extend, said last mentioned slots extending longitudinally vof said back and sliding means for actuating said pins so as to move the pins along said slots whereby said prongs are moved transversely of the back for opening and closing.

4. A loose leaf shift binder including a back, a fixed pivot carried by said back, a base plate carried by said back, an arcuate cover plate carried by said back, said base and cover plates having identical longitudinal slots adjacent each end, a pair of concentric arcuate cam plates, each plate having a bent-down triangular end leg extension, one plate and its extension telescoping within the other plate and extension, the said leg extensions being fulcrumed at the common centers of the cam plates on the said pivot, said cam plates being provided with substantially identically formed inclined slots withthe slots in one plate extending at the opposite angle to the slots in the other, a set of arcuate prongs concentric with and carried by each of said plates, actuating pins extending through the slots in the respective cam plates and the said base and cover plates, a link connecting said actuating pins, means for moving said link so that said pins will cause the cams to move said prongs in opposite directions transversely of said back, and swingable means for moving said cam plates in opposite directions longitudinally of said back.

5. A loose leaf binder including a back, a pivot secured to said back, a base rigidly secured to said back, an arcuate cover plate mounted at its ends on supports attached to said back, a pair of concentric arcuate prong-carrying cam plates arranged between said base and said cover plate and mounted at their common centers on said pivot, each of the said cam plates having a pair of inclinedv slots, said base and said cover plate having longitudinal slots, there being a group of said slots at each end of the binder, an actuating pin extending through each group of slots, a link connecting said actuating pins, and a hand operated member connected to one of said actuating pins for moving said actuating pins whereby said cam plates and the prongs carried thereby may be moved transversely of said back.

6.A loose leaf shift binder including a rigid back, a fixed pivot carried by said back, a pair of concentric arcuate cam plates longitudinally slidably mounted to fulcrum at their common centers on said pivot, each of said plates having transverse slots, and carrying a group of arcuate leaf-receiving prongs concentric therewith, means for moving said groups of prongs toward and from each other, and means for shifting said groups of prongs longitudinally, said latter means including a lever having pins extending into said slots and means for swinging said lever Ifor simultaneously moving said cam plates and said groups of prongs in opposite directions.

7. A loose leaf shift binder including a rigid back, a fixed pivot carried by said back, a pair of concentric arcuate cam plates longitudinally slidably mounted to fulcrum at their common centers on said pivot, each cam plate having a group of arcuate prongs concentric therewith, manuallyactuated slide means operatively connected with said plates for moving them simultaneously in opposite directions laterally, and lever means operatively connected with said plates for moving them simultaneously in opposite directions longitudinally whereby the respective prongs are shifted correspondingly.

8. A loose leaf shift binder including a rigid back, a fixed jpivot carried bysaid back, a 'base plate mounted on said back,fan arched cover plate mounted on said back, a pair'of concentric arched cam plates arranged between said'base and cover plates. and longitudinally' slidably mounted to fulcrum at their common centers on said pivot, each cam plate having a transverse slot,'a diagonal Yslot and a group of leaf-receiving arcuate prongs concentric with said cam plate, a manually actuated swingable operating member provided with a slot extending longitudinally thereof at one end, an actuating pin upon which saidswingable operating membery is pivoted and which extends through said diagonally positioned slots whereby when said swingable operating member is operated to move said actuating pinf longitudinally of the cam .plates said cam plates will be moved transversely of the back, a substantially T-shaped lever, a fixed pivot for said lever secured to said base plate,` said pivot being mounted at the junction of' the arms of the lever and a substantially equal distance from the end of each transverse arm, means extending from the ends of the said transverse arms of the T-lever into'sad transverse slots and a shift pin extending through the slot in said swingable operating member, said shift pin being xed to the third arm of said T-lever whereby when said swingable yoperating member is swung on said actuating pin said T-lever will be swung on its pivot and thereby movesaid cam plates longitudinally of the back for shifting said groups of prongs. I f l 9. A loose leaf shift binder comprising a rigid back, a pair of concentric arcuate prong ycarriers pivotally and longitudinally .xslidingly mounted at their common centers on said back, a pluralityof arcuate prongs mounted on the carriers concentric thereto and adapted toJreceive leaves,.and lever means for' shifting Asaid respective prong carriers simultaneously and in opposite directions longitudinally of said back, whereby said leaves may be advanced or retracted along the binder.

l0. A loose leaf shift binder including a-,rigid back, a Viixed fulcrum pin carried by said back, a pair of concentric arcuate cam plates carried by said back longitudinally slidably mounted to fulcrum at their common centers on said fulcrum pin, a group of arcuate prongs carried by each plate concentric therewith, and a slide mechanism connected with said-plates Yfor simultaneously shifting the said plates and the prongsthereon relatively in opposite directions transversely of the back by positive cam action `and ating a sliding cam mechanism connected with said plates for shifting said plates `transversely of the back about their pivots, each of said plates having a transverse slot, a lever pivotally mounted centrally on a xed pivot, means extending from the respective :arms :of the lever projecting into said slots, said pivoted operating member having a longitudinally positioned slot, a pin extending through said slot and into said lever whereby when said operating member is swung on its pivot it will automatically swing said lever for the longitudinal movement of said cam plates and said prongs carried fthereby.

12. A loose leaf shiftbinder including a back having a rigid end wall, a pair of concentric arched cam plates pivotallyand longitudinally slidably mounted at their common centers on said back, each plate having agroup of arched leaf-receiving prongs concentric therewith, a sliding system comprising a swingable operating member together witha reciprocating slide co-nnected withl the said plates .forshifting them by cam,.action transversely, a compound lever system comprising the said swingable operating member together with a -pivotally mounted T- lever connected with .the said plates for moving them longitudinally, a primary and secondary notch positioned .in .one leg of the swingable operating member, said secondary notch being offset from` the-primary notch, the end wall of the back having a; slot therein'through which the said leg of .the swingable operating member slides longitudinally but which limits the lateral swinging vof the 'said leg, the said primary and secondary notches being adapted to receive an end wall of said slot and permit a certain amount of swinging of said.A operating member whereby the degree of longitudinal shifting of said prongs is governed.

13. A loose leaf shift binder including a rigid back, twoV concentric arcuate cam plates pivotally and longitudinally slidably mounted at their common `centerson said back, each cam` plate kcarrying va group of arcuate prongs concentric with the said cam plates, a manually actuated Y swingable operating member operatively connected with .said camV plates'for moving them laterally, and a lever structure formed with lmeans operatively connected with the swingable operating member and the cam plates for moving the latter longitudinally, whereby the respective prongs are moved in like manner.

14.A loose leaf shift binder kincluding a back, a base rigidly secured to saiduback, an arched cover plate rigidly secured to said back, a pair of concentric arcuate cam plates arranged between said baseand said cover plate pivotally and longitudinally slidablyfmounted at their common centers on said back, each cam plate having a group of arcuate leaf-receiving prongs concentric with and carried by the respective cam-plates, a transverse slot, a diagonal slot, and. a substantially T-shaped 'slot the leg thereof being positionedsubstantially parallel to 'thev said diagonal slot with the leg of one of the said T- slots extending in the opposite 'direction tothe other, a manually actuated swingable operating member provided with a slot extending longitudinally thereof at one end, an actuating pin upon which saidswingable operating member is pivoted and which extends through said diagonally positioned slots whereby when said swingable operating member' is operated to move said actuating pin longitudinally oi lthe cama-plates said cam plates will be moved transversely of the back `about their pivots, a xed guiding pin mounted between the said base and cover plates extendingr through said T-shaped Vslots whereby the said cam plates wil-l be prevented from longitudinal movement while they are being moved transversely, la substantially 'T-shaped lever, -a

fixed pivot for said leverisecured' to said base plate, said pivot being mounted at the junction of the arms of the T-leverand a substantially equal distance from the end of each transverse arm, means extending from the ends of the said transverse arms of the T-lever into said transverse slots, and a shift pin extending through the slot in said swingable 'operating member, said shift pin being fixed to the thirdarm of said T-lever whereby when said swingable operating member is swung on said actuating pin said T- lever will be swung on its pivot and thereby actuate and control the movement of said cam plates longitudinallyfor shifting said groups of prongs the said fixed guiding pin acting to permit the said longitudinal movement of the cam plates only when it is in position to idle, in the longitudinal legs of the saidT-shapedY slots.

15. A loose leaf shiftV binder including a base plate having a longitudinal slot, an arched cover plate having a longitudinal slot identicaltherewith, a pair of parallel arched cam plates mounted between the said cover and base plates, each of said cam plates having a transverse slot adapted to receive a xed guiding pin, a diagonal cam slot adapted to receive a movable actuating pin and terminating at one end in an extension of reverse Obliquity, a group` of leaf-receiving arcuate prongs carried by and concentric with each of the said cam plates, an actuating pin extending through the said longitudinal slots of the said base and cover plates and the diagonal'slots of the said cam plates, a manually actuated swingable operating member pivotally mounted on the said actuating pin whereby when the said swingable operating member moves said actuating pin longitudinally of the cam plates said cam plates will be moved transversely tofopen and closed positions, a fixed guiding pin mounted between the said base and cover plates extending through said transverse slots whereby said cam plates are prevented from longitudinal movement, whereby when the said actuating pinV is pushed by said operating member to move the said cam plates to their closed position the said actuatingY pin at the limit of its movement in the said longitudinal slots in the base and cover plates will enter the said reverse extensions of the diagonal cam slots whereby the said camplatesand the prongs mounted thereon will be locked against accidental lateral movement, the said xed guiding pin coacting to prevent longitudinal movement of the said cam plates.

16. AA loose leaf shift binder Acomprising a rigid back, a xed fulcrum pin carried by said back, a pair of concentric arcuate prQIlg Carriers longitudinally slidingly mounted to fulcrum at their common-centers on said pin, arcuate prongs concentric therewith mounted on earch carrier, a manually actuated operating. member, reciprocating means connected with said operating member for sliding the respective carriers simultaneously in opposite directions laterally 'and lever means connected with said operating member for sliding the respective carriers simultaneously in opposite directions longitudinally whereby the respective prongs are shifted accordingly.

17. A loose leaf shift binder comprising a rigid back, a fixed pivot carried by said back, a pair of concentric arcuate cam plates longitudinally slidably mounted to fulcrum `at their common centers on said pivot, each of said plates carrying a group of arcuate leaf-receiving prongs concentric therewith, reciprocating means for controlling and moving said plates andthe prongs carried thereby, laterally to an open or closed position, ksaid movement of the prongs acting to permit leaves to be inserted or removed, and lever means for shifting and controlling the relative position of said plates and the prongs carried thereby longitudinally while they are in a partly open position, said shifting of the prongs acting to permit leaves to be advanced or retracted along the binder.

18. yA loose leaf shift binder including a rigid back, a fixed pivot carried by said back, a pair of concentric arcuate prong carriers longitudinally slidably mounted to fulcrum'at their common centers on said pivot, a group of concentric arcuate leaf-receiving prongs mounted on each carrier and extending the full width thereof transversely, reciprocating mechanical means for moving the said carriers and the respective groups of prongs mounted thereon under constant controltoward and away from each other and transversely of the back, said movement permitting leaves to be added, removed or replaced and lever shifting means'for moving the said carriers and the respective groups of prongs mounted thereon at a partly open position and under constant control relatively longitudinally of the back, whereby groups of said leaves may be turned from side to side to shift them longitudinally of the back relative to other groups of leaves. Y

. 195A loose leaf shiftbinder including a back, two concentric arcuate prong carriers pivotally and longitudinally slidably mounted at their common centers on said back, two opposing interspaced and fully overlapping sets of identical arcuate prongs mounted on the said carriers concentric therewith and extending longitudinally of the back forming substantially a portion of a cylinder and adapted to receive leaves perforated at regular intervals, the respective prongs of each of the said sets being spaced apart equally at a distance equal to a multiple of the space between centers of any two consecutive perforations in the leaves, each individual prong of one set being staggered with respect to and positioned in the space between the two immediately opposite consecutive prongs of the other set nearer one of the two than the other, the said individualprong members of one set forming'with the respective individual prong members of the opposite set a series of pairs of arches on which leaves impaled thereon may be turned from one Y set of prongs to the other, the normal lateral spacing between the two members of each of the said arches being equal to the said distance between centers of any two consecutive perforations in the leaves, means for sliding the said carriers simultaneously `in opposite directions transversely to a partly open position, mechanical means for sliding the said carriers simultaneously in opposite directions longitudinally at thesaid partly open position whereby the said lateral spacingrbetween the two members of each of the said arches may be increased from that of' the said normal by a progressive multiple of the distance between centers o f any two consecutive perforations in the leaves.

20. A loose leaf binder including aflxed back having a rigid end wall, a fixed pivot carried by said back, a pair of concentric arcuate prong carriers mounted to fulcrum at their common centers on said pivot, a set of arcuate prongs concentric therewith mounted on each carrler, longitudinally reciprocating means operatively connected with` said carriers for rotating them about said pivot simultaneously in opposite directions laterally to move the respective sets of prongs to open and closed relations, a swingable locking member pivotally connected with the said reciprocating means having a notch therein near one end, one end wall of the back having a slot therein through which the said locking member slides longitudinally but which limits the lateral swinging thereof whereby when the prongs are in their fully closed relation the said locking member may be swung on its pivot and one end wall of said slot will co-act with said notch to lock the said reciprocating means against accidental movement.

21. A loose leaf binder including a xed back having a rigid end wall, a fixed pivot carried by said back, a pair of concentric arcuate prong carriers mounted to fulcrum at their common centers on said pivot, a set of arcuate prongs concentric therewith mounted on each carrier, longitudinally reciprocating means operatively connected with said carriers for rotating them about said pivot simultaneously in opposite directions laterally to move the respective sets of prongs to open and closed relations, a swingable locking member pivotally connected with the said reciprocating means havingan offset projection at one side intermediate its ends, one end wall of the back having a slot therein through which the said` locking member slides longitudinally but which limits the lateral swinging thereof, whereby when the prongsare in a partly open relation the said locking member may be swung on its pivot and one end wall of the said slot will co-act with the said olset to arrest the movement of the said prong carriers at a fixed intermediate point.

22. A loose leaf binder including a fixed back having a rigid end wall, a Xed pivot carried by said back, a pair of concentric arcuate prong carriers mounted to fulcrum at their common centers on said pivot, a set of arcuate prongs concentric therewith mounted on each carrier, longitudinally reciprocating means operatively connected With said carriers for rotating them about said pivot simultaneously in opposite directions laterally to move the respective sets of prongs to open and closed relations, a swingable catch member pivotally connected with the said reciprocating means having a projection at one side and an oblique offset at the opposite side intermediate its ends, one end wall of the back having a slot therein through which the said catch member slides longitudinally but which limits the lateral swinging thereof, whereby when the said reciprocating means are moved inwardly of the back to close the respective sets of prongs relatively one end Wall of the said slot will co-act with the said oblique offset to swing the said catch member on its pivot so that the said projection will be automatically set to contact the said back end wall and arrest the movement of the said reciprocating means at a given point when moved in the opposite direction.

WALTER EASTER HASKIN. 

